A Pakistani film inspired by the fairytale career of cricket star Shahid Afridi goes on release next month, a heart-warming tale of raw talent that producers believe will be a smash hit.

Pakistan's film industry has been on the skids for years, unable to compete with India's Bollywood, but filmmakers hope the phenomenal popularity of one of the country's best-loved cricketers will translate into takings at the box office.

"Main houn Afridi" or "I am Afridi" is about a young boy who dreams of becoming as great as the cricket star and chronicles the ordeal he faces en route to playing like his idol.

Producer Humayun Saeed, a top actor in Pakistan, initially persuaded Afridi to take the lead role, but the 33-year-old said it violated the traditions of his tribe on the Afghan border.

"They offered me the role but my elders didn't let me act as it is against our traditions but I happily give permission to use my name as this film will give a positive message," Afridi told AFP.

Saeed said the film, which cost around $1 million to make, will be released in Pakistan for the Muslim festival Eid, as well as in the Gulf and in India.

"It's an underdog story which centres on the game of cricket. It's all about wealthy versus poor, who both try to make a name in cricket but the passion of the poor wins the day," Saeed told AFP.